Tag Archives: AMericans in Wartime Museum

Approximately 2 million Americans served their country, and the world, during World War II. Europe is free today, in part, because of the selfless sacrifices of ordinary Americans asked to do extraordinary things. Among them was Jim Sawicki who served in the United States Army and fought with the “Red Bulls” at Anzio during the Battle of the Bulge. Speaking of his experience during the war, Jim stated, “It was my great adventure.” It was Jim Sawicki, who lived less than a mile from the future home of the Americans in Wartime Museum in Dale City, VA, who inspired the Voices of Freedom Project. Our mission is to capture and … Continue reading →

The Twelve Tanks of Christmas The Christmas Classic…..Americans in Wartime Style. Taking a cue from the 1780 song, we have a short paragraph on several of our vehicles. On the First Day of Christmas, my True Love gave to me—a Model 1917 tank. This little US copy of the French M1917 tank is one of the Museum’s marquee restorations. Just finding the correct engine took years. Wrenching off the rusted bolts holding the suspension together resulted in many a skinned knuckle. But the staff and volunteers persevered and she made her debut at the Open House several years ago. On the Second Day of Christmas, my True Love gave to … Continue reading →

The M3 Stuart Light Tank was designed for service during World War II by The U.S. Army Ordnance Department and built by the American Car & Foundry Company. A manufacturer of railroad cars, ACF built approximately 22,744 Stuarts between 1941 and 1944 in both the M3 and M5 variants. The M3 and M3A1 Stuart got it’s power from an air-cooled radial engine while the M5 variant used twin Cadillac V8 automobile engines. The later version of the Stuart had many advantages over it’s older brother. It was quieter, ran at a cooler temperature, had more room inside for its four man crew, and its operation was easier to learn because … Continue reading →

Lost at Sea, Somewhere, 1780……. Last week we all gave thought to the thousands of Americans that charged ashore on the beaches of Normandy. Places like Sainte-Mere-Eglise, Dog Red, and Pointe Du Hoc are all indelibly connected with their sacrifice. But I want to highlight a broader view of Americans in Wartime that you might not think about. The many that have served, and sometimes given their lives for America, that are just “Lost at Sea.” This blog post had its genesis last week in a dinner with a former US Ambassador. An incredible gentleman, he told many a story—large and small—over a dinner of “stuffies” and seafood. As he … Continue reading →

That Sound You Didn’t Hear, 1 April 2019 Last Friday I was down at the Museum restoration facility helping with some work that needed to be done. As I was changing into my coveralls, I heard the mobile recording studio being fired up. Lacing up my boots and stepping outside, the studio departed on its mission for the day. But I will circle back to that in moment. That “Sound I Didn’t Hear” that Friday was the sound of a Veteran dying. I didn’t know about it until I got home and read the email from my friend. It was his Father-in-Law. 104 years old. Wounded twice in the … Continue reading →

Soggy Northern Virginia, 31 December 2018 As a very wet, soggy 2018 changes into 2019, I am focused more on a different set of numbers. 200,000, or 400,000, or perhaps a number somewhere in between. Depending on which government source and which moment of a particular day, there are somewhere between 200,000 and 400,000 members of our Armed Forces not sleeping in their own bed tonight. The numbers change continuously and by the second. These guardians of our freedom—be they men or women. Marines, Air Force, Navy, Army, Coast Guard or other. Whether on permanent change of station or temporary duty—they are manning the ramparts so that the rest … Continue reading →

On February 6th, 2019, United States Army Lt. Col. John D. Jenkins (ret.) passed away after a long illness. He was 79. After graduating from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Mr. Jenkins served two tours in Vietnam from 1966-1967 and again from 1971-1972. Among other awards, he received two Bronze Stars for his service during the war. After retiring from the Army in 1980, Mr. Jenkins went on to work for the Fairfax County Public Schools. In 1981 he was elected to the Prince William County Board of Supervisors representing the Neabsco district. His 36 years on the board make him the longest serving supervisor in Virginia. In … Continue reading →

In between this year’s constant rains, on a spectacular blue fall day, I flew in a B-17. It meant a lot to me. My father flew them 74 years ago. He was one of thousands of American GI’s who were stationed at Polebrook, England’s 351st Bomber Division. The B-17’s would conduct daily bombings of Germany. My Dad called it “the milk run” — and they were on the 23rd mission when he was shot down on a bombing run of Ludwigshafen, Germany — 430 miles away. His Bomber Group served as “Tail End Charlie” for the 1,000 + Bombers. They were to fly “high” at 29,000 feet. In youth we … Continue reading →

NMAW will be bringing a World War 2 Dodge Weapons Carrier to the Mission BBQ in Chantilly, VA. on Veterans day. We will be set up from 10am until after 2pm. Please drop by to say “Hi” and support this great business that does so much for our veterans. > Chantilly, VA Chantilly, VA 13067 Lee Jackson Mem. Hwy. Fairfax, VA 22033 Directions 571-325-0975 Restaurant 703-495-2746 Catering

This years Tank Farm Open House was scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, September 22-23 in Nokesville, VA. Due to rain overnight on Saturday and all day Sunday, the second day of the event had to be canceled. Despite the challenges imposed by significant rain in the weeks prior, Saturday was a huge success with thousands of people making their way through the gate. Tanks and military vehicles where, as usual, the featured attraction, but by no means the only one. The vehicles displays were enhanced by several groups of reenactors who set up their camps at various locations around the farm. The Marine Corps Historical Society conducted demonstrations to include … Continue reading →